Gamecocks Drop Series Finale to No. 17 Tigers

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball team (33-17, 8-13) dropped its final home game of the season 10-0 to 17th ranked Auburn (37-15, 13-8) in five innings Sunday afternoon (Apr. 30).

It was the final home game at Carolina Softball Stadium for the South Carolina’s four seniors Rachel Vaughn, Donnie Gobourne, Natalie Morgan, and Jordan Fabian. All four players made an appearance in the game, as Vaughan recorded the final out in the top of the fifth and Morgan pinch hit in the bottom of the fifth.

After Auburn scored an unearned run in the top of the first, the Gamecocks put a runner in scoring position when leadoff batter Jordan Fabian walked and stole second. Carolina was unable to bring her home as the final two out were recorded.

It was a similar story in the second as Giulia Desiderio walked and went to second on a passed ball, but again the Gamecocks were unable to bring her home.

From there, Carolina was unable to put a runner on base as they were held without a hit. Auburn got a solo home run in the second, before scoring eight runs in the fifth, but an error early in the frame extended the inning, resulting in five extra runs.

Coming off a no-hitter of her own, Donnie Gobourne took the loss as she allowed two runs, one earned, in two innings of work, striking out three batters. Only four of Auburn’s runs were earned runs against the Gamecock pitching staff.

South Carolina travels to No. 3 Tennessee to wrap up the regular season May 5-7.

For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.